Yamaha has unveiled not one, but two recently developed wireless speakers equipped for MusicCast multi-room streaming, in addition to a subwoofer and two soundbars.
Yamaha has been busy – not only developing four midrange AV amplifiers, but a host of other offerings across its range.
Speakers
The manufacturer’s update line-up now includes the 40W MusicCast 20 and 70W MusicCast 50 wireless speakers, based on its Yamaha’s MusicCast streaming platform providing access to the likes of Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz and Deezer (and hi-res files up to 24-bit/192kHz over DLNA). The speakers can also connect to Yamaha’s new amps to act as rear surround channels in a wider set-up. The 50 model furthermore has a reflex rather than passive radiator, and 3.55mm, RCA and optical inputs.
Available in black of white, the MusicCast 20 and 50 also pack in Bluetooth, AirPlay, Ethernet and Alexa support (allowing users to make requests such as “ask MusicCast” to play playlists or group speakers) and built-in WiFi. Both will be released in September, by which time Google Assistant support may have been rolled out.
Soundbars
The originally named MusicCast Bar 40 and MusicCast Bar 400 soundbars also join Yamaha’s line up, offering DTS:X Virtual processing to create the effect of a 7.1.4 surround set-up instead of Yamaha Sound Projection technology (following in the path of its YAS-207 soundbar). Bluetooth, WiFi and AirPlay support is a given, as well as full MusicCast network streaming and a single HDMI, 3.5mm and optical inputs. The 40 has a subwoofer output, whilst the 400 comes with a distinct wireless subwoofer. Both can be connected to the aforementioned 20 and 50 speakers to work as rear speakers in a surround set-up.
Subwoofer
Yamaha’s new line-up is completed with the MusicCast Sub 100, which can function as MusicCast surround or in a multi-room set-up.
The Sub 100 features a 20cm driver, 130W of power and can connect to other MusicCast products wirelessly or via its 3.5mm jack.